Bounce Music performers and promoters in New Orleans have been invited to a showcase at this year's South By Southwest Music Conference in Austin.They are all creators and originators of what we call Bounce, which has become the music of the streets of New Orleans.

For those that don't know, Bounce Music is merely the latest unique offering from a city that defines originality...taking its place among the many historical gifts of New Orleans.It contains elements of everything you've ever heard from there before...Voodoo chants, Mardi Gras Indian songs, Jazz, R&B, Soul, Brass Bands...these are its lineage and Bounce Music will, like its predecessors, define the music of the future of this city and possibly much more.

All of these artists are at the top of their game, but none are wealthy, and many have seen the fruits of their labors commercialized by hugely successful artists like Beyonce, Lil' Jon and more.They don't complain, they just continue to develop the soundtrack of our reconstruction, bring happiness to their fans and toil in virtual poverty.For a majority here, their music is what makes some of the challenges of post-Katrina life manageable.

Unfortunately, the conference doesn't pay for any aspect of the event for artists, so bringing 10 rappers and just as many dancers, baton twirlers, DJ's and more, not to mention leaving lucrative local performances for a weekend, is nearly impossible.

They don’t need much, just travel expenses and hotel costs.They are asking for donations via a website called Kickstarter.They need to have their goal of $1500 reached, or they get nothing at all. Donate here.